The Houston Texans announced Tuesday evening they had three selections to the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl in quarterback Deshaun Watson, receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
The Texans are one of the teams in the league that also makes public their Pro Bowl alternates. Here are the five Texans who have been sensational throughout the season but didn’t make the cut to be a part of the AFC roster.
1. OLB whitney mercilus
The 29-year-old edge defender was off to a fast start with four forced fumbles through the first five weeks of the season. However, Mercilus, much like the Texans’ pass rush, tapered off midway through the season. He also saw more double teams as defensive end J.J. Watt tore his pectoral muscle and teams keyed on the former 2012 first-round pick as the Texans’ only credible pass rusher. A second-team All-Pro in 2016, Mercilus has been on the cusp of getting more premier accolades. His alternate status shows once more how close he has come.
Who’s ahead: Ravens OLB Matt Judon, Broncos OLB Von Miller, Steelers OLB T.J. Watt
Chances to make the team: Fairly good given that Judon could be playing in the Super Bowl and Miller, who has had an injury plagued season and already named to eight Pro Bowls, may back out.